Anderson’s Retirement Elicits Praise from West Indies Pacer
James Anderson, the veteran English cricketer, officially announced his retirement from international cricket on 12 May. He stated that his farewell would be marked by the first Test against West Indies at Lord’s on 10 July.
Anderson’s international career, which began in 2002, has spanned nearly 22 years.
Related: James Anderson Confirms Retirement from Test Cricket
Anderson will retire with an impressive record of 700 Test wickets from 187 matches, placing him third on the list for most Test wickets. He has hopes of surpassing the late Shane Warne, who claimed 708 Test wickets.
Kemar Roach, likely to be part of the West Indies lineup for Anderson’s farewell match, praised the English player as one of the greatest pacers in cricket history.
“He’s a great fast bowler, probably one of the greatest,” Roach said at the Kia Oval, where he is currently representing Surrey at the County Championship.
“It’s sad to see him go, but we all know you can’t play forever. He’s done fantastically for England and he deserves whatever he gets.
“First Test match against us… hopefully, we ruin it,” Roach added with a laugh. “He’s highly respected. He’s always given me great advice as well. He will go down as one of the greatest to ever do it. I wish him all the best after that Test match, and hopefully, he enjoys whatever comes next.”
Despite the emotional layer added by Anderson’s retirement, Roach remains committed to securing a series victory for the Windies, whose last win on English soil was in 1988.
Roach is confident in the team’s ability to break this streak, backed by a formidable pace battery comprising Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and himself.
“It’s a very highly talented and skilful group,” Roach said. “We’ve not had the best of times over here in England, so it’s more about focusing on us – not what they’re going to do for him (Anderson).
“He’s going to get what he deserves. But it’s all about us working hard to get what we deserve, which is a series win over here in England.”
“With Shamar and Jayden Seales now – Alzarri as well – they have added a lot of X factor to the bowling unit. On any given day, they can have a great spell and be devastating. That is what you want. You just want it as consistently as possible, to have those great days.
“To have three guys like that in the team, (for) a captain to have that to select, for any given day or any given surface (is great). As a group, we are pretty confident. England is always our biggest series… We want to put up a good fight, put on a good show. We haven’t won a Test series in England for quite a while so it is good to come with some confidence, and hopefully, we can do it this time.”
The West Indies will face England in a three-match series in July, as part of the ICC World Test Championship.
Latest World Test Championship Standings
The West Indies currently hold the 6th position in the standings with a point percentage of 33.33%, and are hopeful of climbing the table during the series.
Meanwhile, England is at the bottom of the standings with a point percentage of 17.50%, having secured only three wins in ten matches.